Explore Peru’s Amazonian Rainforest

This trip is a great add-on to a Peru trip! Travelers will enjoy a two-night getaway to the gorgeous and diverse Amazon rainforest. Start this trip with an hour-long boat ride to the Refugio Amazonas eco-hostel for the night, located in a chestnut forest near the Tambopata National Reserve. The next day, travelers will explore the Tambopata River, which is full of parrots and macaws. Then travelers will get to walk around Lake Condenado to see more wildlife (even capybaras and alligators)! There is also time to visit neighboring organic farms to see locally grown fruits before departing the next day.

Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.

Experience Southern Africa’s Wildlife

South Africa, the rainbow nation, is the southernmost country on the African continent. It is surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and shares borders with six neighboring countries. This cradle of humankind is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country on the African continent. It’s worth noting that South Africa houses 10% of the world’s plants, 15% of coastal marine species, and 7% of the world’s mammal, reptile and bird species. Botswana, known officially as the Republic of Botswana, is home to the planet's largest population of elephants. The nation is home to the Okavango Delta, the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around a third of Botswana’s landmass is protected as national parks, game reserves or wildlife management areas. Finally, there’s Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The nation has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has the most official languages in the world. On this trip, travelers start their journey in Johannesburg, where they can get acquainted and see the Emperor's Palace. Going into Botswana, everyone will have a chance to see the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where they will set up camp. After stopping in Maun, everyone can take pictures of the Okavango Delta. Travelers can engage in birdwatching on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). In Gweta, everyone can camp under the country’s iconic Baobab trees. Onward to Kasane, the group can choose to embark on a river cruise through Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. After arriving in Zimbabwe, the first destination is Victoria Falls. Everyone can take a helicopter ride over the iconic landmark while bungee jumping and taking selfies. In Matobo National Park, people can see the iconic granite masses before returning to South Africa. At Kruger National Park, everyone can scan the savanna for lions, elephants and other animals. After arriving back in Johannesburg, travelers can depart at any time.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $2119 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 15 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.

Safari and Wildlife in Southern Africa

South Africa’s philosophy of Ubuntu perfectly encapsulates the nation’s spirit of hospitality and mutual responsibility for well-being. Desmond Tutu explained it as, “I am because I belong.” It means that everyone shares a common humanity and all visitors are as welcome as the locals. Beginning in South Africa’s City of Gold, Johannesburg, specialized overlanding vehicles will take travelers to Serowe, Botswana. Originally named Bechuanaland, the Republic of Botswana was a British protectorate and attained independence in 1966. It is predominantly inhabited by the Botswana people whose recorded history goes back to 14th century migrants from Gauteng, South Africa. From here, travelers journey to the Okavango Delta, known for its high population of elephants, via Maun, where they can experience an aquatic excursion into the Delta on a traditional canoe (mokoro). Travelers continue their journey through Gweta and Kasane before crossing into Zimbabwe and arriving at Victoria Falls. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (thundering smoke), the ‘Vic Falls’ was given its English name by the British explorer, David Livingstone, after Queen Victoria. This is then followed by a scenic drive and exploration of the Matobo National Park, which has been the site of civilization for 40,000 years. After crossing back into South Africa, travelers are taken on a safari to the Kruger National Park before returning to Johannesburg. The Kruger National Park is one the largest game reserves in Africa and was named for Paul Kruger, a South African politician who led the Transvaal Republic against the British in the Anglo-Boer War. 

This 15-day experience, organized by G Adventures, starts at $1,756 per person and includes simple hotels and camping accommodations, transportation, safari, various activities, 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 8 dinners and local guides. The trip has a maximum group limit of 22 travelers aged 18–39, and is suitable for individuals with average fitness as it includes light hiking, biking, rafting/kayaking and walking.

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Make a Difference in the Beauty of Cape Town

Though Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its natural beauty and seemingly endless outdoor activities, the city also faces many challenges. The “Volunteer in South Africa” trip lets enrollees tailor their abilities to help out, offering programs in sports development, kindergarten teaching, special needs care and surfing, skating and swimming. This program is available year-round, with accommodations in volunteer houses. Participants have weekends free to explore Cape Town, head inland for a safari, or see area attractions such as Table Mountain and the Garden Route. This trip is run by International Volunteer HQ, which has helped more than 110,000 people to volunteer abroad in more than 50 different destinations. The trip lasts at least one week with a cost of $325 and up to 24 weeks with a cost of $6,955.

Surf with Kids in Capetown, South Africa

Work in an adventure club for 12-14-year-old children who come from disadvantaged areas of Cape Town. The club is primarily focused on surfing and swim lessons, and volunteers will receive free surf lessons (no surfing exp. necessary, but must be able to swim!). Local kids will be taught sports, hikes, and life lessons (HIV, drugs, etc.). Volunteers will work with children 2-5 days a week and can spend their mornings relaxing on the beach, learning to surf, or helping out in a school. Afternoons are spent doing activities through the adventure club with 5-20 different children! On the trip, volunteers will have plenty of free time to explore the beautiful city, Cape Town, and explore Table Mountain National Park, see African Penguins, and explore beautiful hiking trails throughout the area!  The min length for this trip is 14 days for $990, and the maximum length is 8 weeks for $2,730.  Upcoming Departures: Every Friday.

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